AFL Supercoach 2026: West Coast Eagles 2026 Squad Analysis

Having been one of the AFL’s easybeats for several years now, the Eagles will be hoping that 2026 brings a change of fortunes on the football field. 

The Eagles have been living at the bottom of the ladder for four seasons now but it finally looks as though they’re taking advantageous steps forward. 

Youth was again the focus for coach Andrew McQualter during the off-season, landing prized draft duo Willem Duursma and Cooper Duff-Tytler at the draft. Josh Lindsay is another young kid to keep an eye on, while the experience of former Lion Brandon Starcevich and ex-Tiger Tylar Young will bolster the backline.

Alongside those additions, the Eagles have added the likes of Finlay Macrae, Deven Robertson and Harry Schoenberg, thanks in part to the AFL’s list concessions. 

But they’ve also lost plenty of talent. Star defender Jeremy McGovern and midfielder Dom Sheed have both retired, while Oscar Allen, Liam Ryan and Campbell Chesser will play their footy at rival clubs in 2026.

There’s been plenty of changes, so let’s take a look at West Coast’s SuperCoach prospects for the upcoming season.

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Predicted Round 1 starting team

FB: Reuben Ginbey, Sandy Brock, Brandon Starcevich

HB: Liam Baker, Tylar Young, Brady Hough 

C: Willem Duursma, Elliot Yeo, Deven Robertson
HF: Jack Graham, Jake Waterman, Elijah Hewett

FF: Jamie Cripps, Jobe Shanahan, Archer Reid

FOLL: Matt Flynn, Harley Reid, Tom McCarthy

I/C: Liam Duggan, Tim Kelly, Ryan Maric, Hamish Davis, Cooper Duff-Tytler

Analysis: Let’s be honest, this team on paper is pretty thin and there are several best 23 players who have had interrupted pre-seasons to date, including Starcevich and Brady Hough. Duursma looks likely to begin his AFL career on a wing, while Duff-Tytler and Lindsay are others who are in the mix for a round one debut. Tom McCarthy looks set for an increased midfield role after an electric pre-season, while Harley Reid is another who will be hoping to build again this year. Defender Harry Edwards will miss round one due to concussion, while Harry Schoenberg has been suspended for a week. Youngster Jacob Newton is another in the frame, likewise Tom Cole, Matt Owies and Finlay Macrae.

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Fixtures

Round 1: Gold Coast Suns (A)

Round 2: North Melbourne (H)

Round 3: Port Adelaide (A)

Round 4: Sydney (H)

Round 5: Geelong (A)

Byes: Round 15

Verdict: Is there such a thing as an ‘easy’ run of games for the Eagles? Probably not, but their most favourable stretch comes from round 8 until their mid-season bye. In that patch, they take on Richmond, Melbourne, Essendon, Port Adelaide and North Melbourne. The Eagles share that round 15 bye with Brisbane, Essendon and Sydney. 

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LOCK

You can lock and load former Lion Deven Robertson ($119,900 FWD), who looks set for a prominent role under Andrew McQualter this year. Robertson struggled for game time under Chris Fagan in a star studded Lions side, but could genuinely become a regular starter for the Eagles.

Don’t be deterred by his lack of SuperCoach scoring history as he was often the substitute or playing an unkind role at the Lions. Robertson had plenty of midfield opportunities over the practice games and is a safe, on-field cheapie option.

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POINT OF DIFFERENCE

Two names that are making some noise out of Mineral Resources Park this pre-season are Harley Reid ($381,700 MID) and Tom McCarthy ($504,900 DEF). McQualter believes Reid is ready to turn potential into regular output, having put on some more size during the pre-season.

The return of Elliot Yeo should also help Reid out in the on-ball mix. McCarthy burst onto the scene as a defender last year as a mid-season pick-up, but has been touted for more midfield minutes in 2026. I think McCarthy has a better chance of being a season-long keeper, so I prefer him, but both are currently in approximately 11 per cent of teams.

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CHEAPIES

I touched on Robertson above, but there could genuinely be half a dozen Eagles cheapies to consider this year. Josh Lindsay ($122,500 DEF) was the best kick in the draft last year and is exactly what the Eagles need off half-back. He’s got the game that will translate to good SuperCoach scores, if he gets an early debut.

Willem Duursma ($203,500 MID) can play across any line but looks likely to start his career on a wing. He’s got strong job security and pretty solid scoring potential, but does come with an elevated price tag as the number one pick.

Former Pie Finlay Macrae ($119,900 FWD/MID) and Harry Schoenberg ($119,900 MID) are on the fringes for selection, while Cooper Duff-Tytler ($190,000 RUC/FWD) is another to keep an eye on, although I don’t think his role won’t be overly conducive to good SuperCoach scores.